NACADA envoy calls for establishment of rehabilitation centres

May 12, 2023 - 12:36

National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse Ambassador William Rotich (left), Advocate Gilbert Kemboi (right) during the inauguration of the Kericho County Students Association (KECOTSA) at Kericho High School. Photos by Sarah Njagi/KNA

Bureti, Friday, May 12, 2023

KNA by Sarah Njagi

An anti-drug activist in Kericho has called upon leaders in the region to set up drug and alcoholic abuse centers in a bid to save youths from the vice.

The National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) ambassador William Rotich said the war against alcohol and substance abuse was now a threat as it was gradually threatening to reach unprecedented levels among the youthful population and immediate action was required.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Kericho County Students Association at Kericho High School, Rotich said the negative impacts of substance and alcohol abuse were evident in the County and needed concerted effort from the hierarchy of leadership.

The NACADA envoy urged both the county assembly and the county executive to come up with policies that will initiate and fund the centers adding that negative impacts of substance and alcoholic abuse was becoming more prevalent with each passing day.

“County government leadership ought to step up the fight against drug and alcohol abuse in the county and redirect their energies on the youth who are vulnerable to the vice as negative impacts of substance and alcoholic abuse were rampant,” said Rotich.

Rotich further reiterated that a vast majority of addicts were unable to afford the expensive drugs used to treat their addictions thus the need for timely interventions by the both the county and national governments.

“The illicit brews, alcoholic drinks enterprises and rampant bhang uptake with our young people across Kericho has to be checked if not we will lose many young people to drugs and alcoholism. Rehabilitation is expensive and it is not often that an addict recovers completely after undergoing this programme,” said Rotich.

He appealed to the local administrators, police and civic leaders and county leadership to work together towards promoting sanity in the war against drug and alcohol abuse in the County.

Courtesy; K.N.A